There is huge wall between graduation and boarding for cadet ship to complete BS degree. It is important that these problems of maritime cadets be addressed in the shortest possible time.
I can’t blame them, for they probably tried to do everything they can to have their OJT or just to embark on a ship to practice or use what they learned but the results does not favor them. Time, money and effort are wasted just to see nothing in return.
That is a heavy blow and that is how hard being in this industry. There are a lot of problems, burdens and hindrances standing in front of our cadets, lets discuss it here.
What are the common problems of maritime cadets?
1. Where to complete 12-month cadetship – As most maritime schools in the country does not have a program for their cadets to complete this requirement, the cadets themselves are finding ways to embark on a ship as a cadet. But it is a real struggle. I can’t measure it here how difficult it is. You need to hear their cry.
2. Money to finance documentary/company requirements – Money to get Passport, PSA, NBI, SRB, TOR and other requirements can cost a lot. Not to mention the training fees they have to pay to complete training like BT (Basic Training), Watchkeeping, SDSD (Security Training), etc.
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I’m going also to include here placement fee for some agencies. It is real. You have to pay for your embarkation. The range could be from 20k-100k. That’s just a total killer.
3. Waiting time – the most effortless thing to do but the most costly. One company will say they will call you. The question is, when? The travel/documentary/company requirements processing could take months already. No question here, time should be properly managed or else..(deep sigh)..
4. Where to stay and what to do – you can’t avoid it. You will go to Manila no matter what. Newly graduated cadets from the province will be prone to this. As to my first time, walking in the streets of Manila is scary. Plus, you need a place to stay in.. Adds up to another pile of problem cause as days goes by, you keep on paying rent, eat and travel. I hope that our very supportive parents have money to support our young cadets.
5. Physical factor – Were not superheroes. We can get tired and i understand. Sometimes, it can come up to you one day and say, I’m tired. Just tired of something you want to happen but did not or will not happen. This can be so draining. You need to be strong at all cost. Let it rest, but don’t quit!
6. Mental fatigue – there could be a lot of interviews and a lot of CES, written or practical exams per company that you applied for. Man, this is so exhausting! Much more exhausting then the physical fatigue. However, this will test you on how knowledgeable you are. Its part of all application, even on other field.
More problems…
7. No backer – Do not forget the backer system that is widely rampant in manning agencies. I do not understand why the government is not taking action about this.
This is just a total nightmare for those who have no backer. Competence should be the basis, not the backer. I don’t know why agencies let someone embark a ship just because he/she has a backer but incompetent.
8. Hoping on false hopes – ‘Don’t worry, we’ll call you’. The classic lines of recruitment officers. When you hear this, don’t just wait, Act! Apply to other agencies. Its better to have them call at once than a no call at all.
9. Easily manipulated/scammed – any newbie to the industry is like a little child. Does not know much about the world. Cadets especially came from the provinces are too prone to this. So, be careful. Only talk to authority, legal and verified persons. Always check government agency portals for updates. Do not believe everything on social media.
10. Loss of focus – you may be tempted to try out other sideline like networking, part time or freelance business or be addicted to online games or dating. This is up to you. Being focused can be difficult especially if you have a lot of doubts on yourself. If you do, steer yourself right back on track! Only you can do it.
11. Family problem – it maybe internal problem within the family members, health problems, it just adds to the burden. But the young cadet could not be as strong as he wants to be when the whole family is not behind him.
What’s your move then?
This is one of the classics. If you hit real hard by the problems of maritime cadets, you must be tough. Mentally, physically and emotionally.
If you notice that the chances of embarking as cadet is low, then go for another option. Try to embark a ship with other positions available for entry level. Start from there. This option will increase your chances to board ship.
The problems cadets about to face is an enormous test of their resiliency, mental toughness and strong character. The problems maybe a mountain high to climb, but once you’re there, rewards are ocean–wide like.
So never give up, never surrender. With the help of our Lord above, constant prayer and a little bit of luck, you will get up on top.
As i said, focus on the bigger picture. The struggle you have now will just be a thing of the past..
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